Cloud Perch Courtyard.
Liu Yunche set aside the things he had brought back from exploring the secret realm.
He could discern the properties of the pills through his two gifts, then identify them one by one with the help of the Alchemical Canon his martial uncle Fire Crane had given him.
"Heavenly Dust Pill, Azure Illusion Pill, Qi-Blood Pill..." Liu Yunche's eyes narrowed. Holding a pill between his fingertips, he hesitated. "Dragon-Pattern Treasure Pill?"
Faint dragon patterns covered the pill. It was a lustrous yellow throughout and gave off a clear, refreshing medicinal fragrance.
"This pill can strengthen a martial artist's foundation. An unexpected delight."
After a moment's thought, Liu Yunche scraped off a little powder and fed it to a green fish in the pond.
Moments later, the fish's scales stood on end and its pupils dilated. In just a few breaths, it grew three inches longer, and a glimmer of intelligence appeared in its eyes.
Liu Yunche returned it to the pond. If he was right, this green fish would be the king of the pond from now on.
Liu Yunche swallowed the Dragon-Pattern Treasure Pill. At once, he felt its medicinal power settle and flow into his dantian. It was like a dormant volcano, waiting for the moment to erupt.
Winter arrived, and the cold of November and December bit to the bone.
The north wind howled outside the window, driving snow across the sky. All of Verdant Grain County lay wrapped in silver, its mountains and rivers blanketed in white frost. Bitter desolation filled the world.
Outside Cloud Perch Courtyard, the wind cut like knives and snow lay thick on the ground, but the pavilion within was warm and inviting.
Liu Yunche stood beneath it in thin, plain white robes, his posture straight.
Rich medicinal